TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy for Development Control Department of the IKN Authority Thomas Umbu Pati claims there will be no evictions and seizures of residents' buildings in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) area.

"IKN Authority will not evict, and seize people's houses, I don't think that notion is true," Thomas said via WhatsApp Call on Wednesday evening, March 13.

Regarding the letter on March 4 to residents of RT 05 Pemaluan, East Kalimantan, signed directly by Thomas, he admitted that the wording of the letter was quite harsh. Thomas only wanted to give a warning so that residents would no longer build on land based on IKN spatial regulations.

"We have approached them (the locals) but they don't listen to us, so please stop [illegal construction]," he explained.

The former staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs also explained that the development of IKN involves, assists, and provides training to the local community.

Regarding the discussion on March 8 with residents of RT 05 Pemaluan to follow up on the letter dated March 4 at the IKN rest area, he also ensured that there was “absolutely no conflict between us as the government and the residents”.

Previously, as many as 200 residents of RT 05 Pemaluan, East Kalimantan, claimed to be alarmed after receiving a letter from the IKN Authority which said they had to demolish their buildings with a deadline of 7 days after the first warning letter received on March 4, 2024. "Residents feel fearful about the situation and feel as if this is similar to the situation in Rempang,” said an anonymous source, when contacted by cell phone on Saturday, March 10, 2024.

ADVIST KHAIRUNIKMAH

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